Essential oil of Thymus vulgaris as an antibacterial agent against Escherichia coli.

Description

/ 3 Essential oil of Thymus vulgaris as an antibacterial agent against Escherichia coli.

[001] The present invention relates to the use of Thymus vulgaris (thyme) essential oil as an effective antibacterial agent against the bacterium Escherichia coli, a pathogen that causes various diseases in humans and animals. The purpose of the invention is to offer a natural alternative to conventional antibiotics in order to combat diseases caused by this bacterium, taking into account the growing problem of bacterial resistance and the environmental impacts associated with the excessive use of antibiotics.

[002] Escherichia coli is a common bacterium in intestinal and urinary tract infections, and traditional treatment is done with antibiotics. However, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics can lead to the development of bacterial resistance, making treatments less effective. In this context, essential oils have attracted attention due to their antimicrobial properties, representing a promising alternative for the treatment of bacterial infections.

[003] Thymus vulgaris essential oil is composed of several active compounds, such as thymol and carvacrol, which are known for their antimicrobial properties. These compounds act synergistically, promoting the inhibition of bacterial growth. In the present study, antibacterial activity tests were performed using different concentrations of essential oil (0.4%, 0.8%, 1.0% and 1.6%, v / v) to evaluate its efficacy against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922.

[004] For the tests, the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris was diluted in ethanol, as it is not soluble in water. The dilution was prepared in various concentrations, which were used to test the antibacterial activity using two methods: optical density (OD) and the use of the resazurin dye, which allows for the evaluation of bacterial viability. The oil concentrations were applied to sterile 96-well plates, where bacterial growth was monitored. Petition 870240111527, dated 12 / 31 / 2024, p. 7 / 11 / 3

[005] During the experiments, the plates were incubated at 37°C for 18-24 hours, and bacterial viability was measured by optical density at 550 nm. In addition, the addition of resazurin allowed for qualitative observation of bacterial viability. The plates with the concentrations of essential oil showed a significant reduction in bacterial viability, as indicated by the blue coloration in the treated wells, compared to the positive control, where the bacteria grew normally.

[006] Tests were also performed using the disk-diffusion method, where paper disks impregnated with the essential oil were placed on the culture medium with Escherichia coli. The formation of inhibition halos around the disks indicated the antibacterial action of the oil. Quantitative analysis of the inhibition halos revealed that the higher oil concentrations (1.6% and 1.0%) caused larger inhibition halos, demonstrating a positive relationship between oil concentration and antibacterial activity.

[007] The results obtained in the experiments confirm that the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris has antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, demonstrating efficacy similar to that of other antimicrobial agents. Qualitative analysis with resazurin and disk-diffusion tests showed that the oil is able to significantly reduce the viability of the bacteria, with an increase in efficacy according to the concentration of the essential oil.

[008] Due to promising results, Thymus vulgaris essential oil may be a viable alternative for controlling infections caused by Escherichia coli. Its use can be expanded to various sectors, such as the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries, in addition to its application in livestock farming, for the control of intestinal infections in animals. Being of natural origin, thyme essential oil offers a safer and more sustainable option compared to conventional antibiotics, and can be used in both preventive and therapeutic treatments.

[009] Given the effectiveness of Thymus vulgaris essential oil against Escherichia coli, the invention can be used in the formulation of pharmaceutical products, such as creams, ointments and liquid solutions, intended for the treatment of bacterial infections. In addition, the oil can be integrated into formulations for surface disinfection, Petition 870240111527, dated 12 / 31 / 2024, page 8 / 11 / 3 sanitizers and veterinary products, providing an effective and natural antimicrobial solution.

[010] The invention also opens up possibilities for the development of new alternative treatments for infections caused by other strains of Escherichia coli and other bacterial pathogens, expanding therapeutic options for conventional and alternative medicine. In this way, the use of essential oils such as Thymus vulgaris can contribute significantly to reducing bacterial resistance and promoting health in a more sustainable way. Petition 870240111527, dated 12 / 31 / 2024, page 9 / 11

Claims

CLAIMS 1. THYMUS VULGARIS ESSENTIAL OIL AS AN ANTIBACTERIAL AGENT AGAINST ESCHERICHIA COLI composed of Thymus vulgaris essential oil, characterized by its ability to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria at concentrations ranging from 0.4% to 1.6% (v / v), where the essential oil is diluted in ethanol to facilitate its application in aqueous medium, and where the antibacterial activity is demonstrated by optical density and disk-diffusion tests, with the formation of inhibition halos around the application of the essential oil. Petition 870240111527, dated 12 / 31 / 2024, p. 10 / 11